Princess Leonor and her sister, Infanta Sofia surprised Valencian citizens with an unexpected visit accompanied by their parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia.
This trip, which was not on the official agenda of the royal family, quickly became a memorable event for those who were fortunate enough to meet them.
The Spanish royal family at a restaurant in Valencia
In an atmosphere full of spontaneity and closeness, the family toured several towns in Valencia, leaving good feelings in their path and several anecdotes along the way.
One of the most talked about moments of the day was their stop at the Albufera restaurant, located in El Palmar. According to Daniel Gayán, partner of the restaurant, the reservation had been made very discreetly.
“We had a reservation for four people in the name of, I suppose, an escort or something,” he explained, making it clear that the arrival of the royal family was a surprise.
In a gesture that reflects their desire to connect with the people, the royals turned down the offer of a private dining room. According to Daniel, “they wanted to be with the people”.
This detail did not go unnoticed by diners, who watched as the royal family approached tables and engaged in friendly conversation.
Their interest in Valencia was evident not only in their interactions with citizens, but also in the topics they discussed.
During the meal, King Felipe spoke with the owners of the restaurant about the effects of the floods that affected several towns in Valencia.
This gesture was especially appreciated by Daniel Gayán, who publicly thanked the visit. “We are proud that they have come here to visit Valencia, to take an interest in those affected and in the businesses,” he said emotionally.
As for the menu, the royal family opted for typical dishes of the region, highlighting the Valencian paella and tomatoes from El Perelló.
The day did not end there. The family walked through the streets of Catarroja, visited the market area and continued their stroll through towns like Picanya and Alaquàs.
During these tours, they were close, accepting to take pictures and sharing moments with those who crossed their path.
This visit marked a milestone, as it was the first joint public appearance of the King and Queen and their daughters since the Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony in October.